Financial Operations Associate

Company Overview: We are building Protege to solve the biggest unmet need in AI — getting access to the right training data. The process today is time intensive, incredibly expensive, and often ends in failure. The Protege platform facilitates the secure, efficient, and privacy-centric exchange of AI training data. Solving AI’s data problem is a generational opportunity. We’re backed by world-class investors and already powering partnerships with some of the most ambitious teams in AI. The company that succeeds will be one of the largest in AI — and in tech. We’re a lean, fast-moving, high-trust team of builders who are obsessed with velocity and impact. Our culture is built for people who thrive on ambiguity, own outcomes, and want to shape the future of data and AI. We're hiring a Finance Operations Associate to help keep Protege's financial operations running smoothly as we scale. This person will own core accounts payable and accounts receivable workflows, coordinate vendor payments, support collections, and help maintain accurate cash tracking and reporting. You'll work closely with the Controller and CFO to ensure financial obligations are executed accurately and on time while providing excellent support to both internal stakeholders and external partners. This is a high-ownership role for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and excited to build processes in a fast-moving environment. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Manage accounts payable and vendor payment workflows - Generate customer invoices and support collections efforts - Prepare domestic and international wire transfers for Controller/CFO approval - Serve as a primary point of contact for vendor payment inquiries - Assist with cash tracking and short-term cash flow reporting - Maintain accurate financial records across systems and spreadsheets - Identify opportunities to improve finance processes and controls WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE 30 DAYS - Successfully assume AP, invoicing, and vendor communication responsibilities - Understand current cash management and payment workflows - Build familiarity with key vendors and financial systems 60 DAYS - Independently manage payment operations and collections processes - Provide reliable cash tracking and reporting support - Become a trusted resource for vendor and internal finance questions 90 DAYS - Own day-to-day finance operations with minimal oversight - Improve operational efficiency and reporting processes - Deliver consistent accuracy and reliability across all finance workflows   WHAT YOU BRING - Strong Excel and Google Sheets skills - Experience working with accounting systems or ERPs - Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills - Strong communication and follow-through - Comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment NICE TO HAVE - 2+ years of accounting, finance operations, AP/AR, or bookkeeping experience OR undergraduate degree in Finance or Accounting - Startup experience - Cash management or treasury exposure - Experience with QuickBooks, Campfire, Ramp, or similar tools PROTEGE VALUES Pass the Loved Ones’ Test We act with integrity and do the right thing — especially when it’s hard and no one is watching. Always Find a Way We are resourceful, resilient builders who solve hard problems and push through obstacles. Go Fast and Grow Fast Velocity matters. We move with urgency, learn quickly, and continuously improve as individuals and as a company. Practice Kindness and Candor We communicate directly and respectfully, building trust through honest feedback and genuine care for one another. Deliver Together We win as one team. Collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership drive our success. Own the Outcome. Hone the Craft. We take pride in our work, sweat the details, and continuously raise the bar for excellence.